First Day of Kindergarten!

It happened too quickly!  My little baby started kindergarten.
So I hardly slept last night because I was so anxious.  I want him to go to school and learn and experience wonderful things, but I also want to be with him always and protect him from anything that may hurt.  This boy really is our most precious gift.
So Samuel woke this morning happy and excited.  He got up and got himself ready to go.  He was nervous, but still very excited. 
We arrived at school early, I had to get some information at the office.  Outside of the office we took his first day of school pictures.

A serious one

And of course a silly picture too!

After pictures we walked down to the lunch room.  We went through the breakfast line and Samuel did really well.  I love how the school had it all organized.  Samuel found his lunch card and then we went through the line.  When we got to the cash register the lunch lady took his card, complimented him on how well he did which just made him beam - he was doing so well on his first day!  Then he was told that he would need to go over to the other teacher who would help him to his seat.  It was at this point that tears began to flow, but not from Samuel!  Those were my tears - I really tried to hold them back so that Samuel wouldn't worry, but I was just so proud and also a little sad to see my baby be so grown up.
Samuel walked over so bravely and I think only I could tell that he was nervous.  The teacher greeted him and then introduced him to a boy that was a couple years older.  She asked that boy to help Samuel and then she introduced Samuel to all of the other children at the table.  I gave Samuel a quick hug and kiss, and then I left. 
After I drove away I called David and cried.  Who knew that I would be the one crying so much and that Samuel wouldn't even shed a tear!  Such a good little guy!

After school I picked him up and he was thrilled to see me.  He gave me a big hug.  I asked him how is first day was and he said, "It was great!  I can't wait for my second day of kindergarten!"
Oh how I love that boy! 

Birthday Celebration Part III

So day one was being by myself, day two was being with the family, and this third day was a day for David and I. It was wonderful. David surprised me with wonderful plans. We drove to Tampa where David had booked a wonderful Swedish massage. After the massage we went to lunch. David had it perfectly planned - he took me to Grimaldi's. We had gone to Grimaldi's in New York while he was doing his internship and it was wonderful. It was a little place under the Brooklyn bridge and the pizza was so good. It was wonderful to reminisce for a while, and we were not disappointed in this franchise in Tampa!

Driving to Tampa

Birthday Celebration Part II

This part of the celebration occurred on my birthday and it was a really great day.  It started by Samuel waking my and singing, "It's momma's birthday, it's momma's birthday" followed by him running in my room, jumping on my bed and giving me a big birthday hug.  He had been counting down to my birthday because he helped plan everything about it. 
While I got ready for the day, Samuel and David went downstairs and made cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  They were delicious. 
We then left to attend the orientation at Samuel's school where he would start kindergarten!  The orientation went really well and Samuel got excited to go to his new school.
After the orientation we went to see Disney's Planes.  Samuel really liked the movie, and I loved watching it with him. 
After the movie we went to lunch at Whispering Canyon at Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge.  We had a delicious lunch.  Samuel particularly loved when he asked for ketchup that everyone who had ketchup on their table had to bring him their bottle, and then when  different customer asked for ketchup we had to deliver it to them.  So much fun!  (Samuel loved the entire theme of the restaurant.)

Perfect amount of ketchup for this ketchup lover!

Birthyday Celebration Part I

I took three days off of work for my birthday this year (well, and to get Samuel all ready to start school).  I have plenty of leave at work, in fact I am in the use it or lose it status so I really do have plenty, and this was a great opportunity to use some of that leave.

On the first day David went to work and Samuel went to the school (we have always called his daycare school), and I had some alone time.  First, I cleaned out my car and that was lovely.  Then I met David for lunch on my way to the temple.  I so enjoyed going to the temple.  I reminded me of so many blessings and also that I am loved very much by Heavenly Father. 

For my friends that are not members of the Church or Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have included a short video about why we build temples. 

 

I love spending time with my family, but I am so glad that I had this one day to myself to relax and remember.



Family Pizza Party

 

I love Publix!  They sell pizza dough and it was on sale so I bought it and for Sunday dinner we each made our own pizza.  I was really so much fun.  Samuel really thought it was awesome to get to shape the dough, put the sauce on, and then add cheese.  Such a fun family activity.  I think we will have to do it again!

Soccer

So soccer ended at the end of July.  Samuel was so excited to get a medal.  We are so proud of him and all that he accomplished during the season.  He improved as the season progressed and really had a great time.

Back Row: Coach Roy, Isaiah, Gabby, Jayla, Grace, ?
Front Row:  Zach, Lilly, ?, Samuel